Resolutions

Most of Americans make them, but do they really keep those resolutions?

Most of Americans make them, but do they really keep those resolutions? Research indicates Americans make resolutions, but few actually complete or are successful in achieving their goals for the New Year.

So why do we even consider making resolutions?

• It signifies a new beginning

• It makes us feel as if we have some control in our destiny

• It helps us reflect on our life and look for things to better ourselves

• We do it out of tradition or as a ritual

To help you consider some resolutions, below are the 10 most common New Year's resolutions. But whether you choose something from this list or decide on some other goal, remember to make your goal attainable, something that has small steps so you can see positive change, and remember that the only resolutions that tend to succeed are the ones you do for yourself vs. for someone else.

Why So Difficult to Keep?

Some may ask why so many people have such a difficult time keeping their New Year's resolutions. Research indicates that broken resolutions are usually due to some of the following reasons:

• Creating resolutions that are impossible to achieve. Many times people create expectations that are unrealistic, which creates a situation that insures failure. For instance, saying you'd like to lose 50 pounds in four months would be an example of a resolution that is improbable to find success and one that would set you up for failure.

• Creating resolutions for someone else. Many resolutions are made because someone is told they need to change. This creates a situation in which a resolution is made not out of personal desire but out of the request, demand or "should" of someone else. Whenever you do something for someone else you have a smaller investment than if you want the change for yourself.

• Creating resolutions that cannot be measured. For instance, if you decide you want to be happier in 2012, how would you know if you succeed? If there is no way to measure or determine success, the chances for failure are high. Perhaps a healthier resolution would be to try to achieve a higher quotient of happiness by focusing each day on being grateful for what you have vs. what is missing in your life.

• Creating resolutions that are too general. If you want to be successful, it is important to break down your resolution into little steps so you can see progress. So instead of saying you want to be healthier in 2012, perhaps break it down into eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising each day, or eating smaller portions at each meal.

Here's the 10 most common resolutions...

10. Getting organized: Whether at home or at work, this resolution rates high on most people's "to-do" list.

9. Help others: Many people commit to doing more for their family, their place of worship or their community. Volunteering always rates high on resolution charts.

8. Learning something new: Lots of people want to enhance and broaden their lives in the coming year, whether it's taking up a new hobby, learning a computer program or going back to school.

7. Getting out of debt: Millions have struggled with the economic situation and this year, like years before, more and more people are creating new cost cutting resolutions for 2012.

6. Quit drinking: Whether it's completely giving up alcohol or drugs or cutting back, this one tops many American's lists. Remember there is help from AA, local addiction facilities or even counselors who can help with your goals.

5. Enjoying life: This means living more in the moment and spending more time doing what you love. Life is chaotic and more and more Americans are making choices to cut back on work hours and increasing their leisure time and personal time.

4. Quit smoking: This habit generally is addressed at the beginning of each new year. There are lots of community groups and campaigns that are prevalent each year in January, so maybe this year you can elicit some help to succeed.

3. Lose weight: 66% of Americans are overweight, so you can guess that losing weight is high on most resolution lists. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are two assets for weight loss. Try getting support from friends or weight loss programs.

2. Being fit: This is different than the last resolution and more and more Americans are noting this choice. Being fit means exercising more, eating healthier food and making better food choices. Obviously these things will increase weight loss, but the goal is being more fit.

1. Spending more time with friends and family: Recent polls show Americans really do want to have more time with those they love whether it's going out to movies, spending time at the dinner table together, or just laughing with friends. The key to success is making the time for your number one priority. It's all about committing to your goal and sticking to it.

If you want your 2012 resolution to be successful make sure you focus on one resolution vs creating a long list of resolutions. Secondly, if you want to achieve your resolution make sure you value your resolution, have ways to reward small steps toward success and make your resolution realistic and achievable.
Remember, resolutions are about new beginnings, and having some control in your life-- so create that new beginning by maximizing your potential for success.
Happy New Year... may it be filled with laughter, love, health and well-being.

Joy Miller, Ph.D., is an internationally known licensed psychotherapist, trainer and author. she is the founder and president of Joy Miller & Associates.

Contact her at (309) 693-8200 or jmatherapy@att.net

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